Every now and then I change up the kids' corner. I've shown you our kids' corner before. It's a lovely, bright, and tidy space where the kids can play happily. It's a long, low table with a few toys and two chairs. Every now and then I swap out the toys and create a space to help the kids get started with their pretend play. This time I've created a sort of kitchen nook. It's a very simple stove consisting of a hotplate with turning knobs. I placed a small drawer cabinet next to it to store the food. These are all made of wood, by the way, such as small pastries, tomatoes, eggs, baguettes, bread, etc. They're connected with Velcro and can be cut apart. There are two small pans on the hotplate. To create some playtime, I placed the doll's high chair and the rattan crib next to it. A suitcase holds some clothes, a bottle, a plate, a spoon, etc. for the doll. To create a cozy and truly private corner, there's a nice, soft rug on the floor. This way, I try to create a distinct space and keep other toys within reach as little as possible. For example, there are only some drawing supplies on the table because I think they should always be within easy reach (the markers are in the box, easy to grab for the oldest, and pencils next to them for the youngest). The dollhouse is next to the table, and the other toys are in the closed cupboard. Each child has a drawer they can take items from. They have to ask before taking anything from the closed cupboard.
This way, the living room is tidy and the children can play happily, because it's organized for them. I'm really trying not to drag in all sorts of things again now. I used to do that with my oldest. All sorts of things ended up in there: plastic food containers, boxes, all sorts of cutlery, you name it. I'm starting to value fewer, but nice toys more and more. So, a wooden kitchen, wooden food containers, and cutlery. And not too many.
I set up the corner today. The youngest of two immediately made soup and fed the doll. Our five-year-old son immediately started playing restaurant when he got home from school, taking orders and making sandwiches. It was truly wonderful to watch!
Want to create a cozy corner like this? In our webshop, we have a beautiful folding stove with a small pan, a stunning wooden tableware set on a tray with chocolate cake, and a sweet doll to care for.
